Legal Definitions - Duration Directive

The Duration Directive is a legal document that harmonizes the term of copyright and certain related rights across the European Union. It sets out the length of time that copyright protection lasts for different types of works.

For example, the Directive states that:

• Copyright in literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years after their death.
• Copyright in sound recordings lasts for 70 years from the date of their first publication.
• Copyright in films lasts for 70 years from the death of the last surviving director, author of the screenplay, or composer of the music created specifically for the film.

These examples illustrate how the Duration Directive sets out the length of time that copyright protection lasts for different types of works. This helps to ensure that creators are fairly rewarded for their work and that their rights are protected for a reasonable period of time.